Two more things I should tell you. First, the issue you are now reading is the combined issue of July & August, so I will see you again in the issue of September. Second, there will be the first Congress of the Vietnamse Catholic in Diaspora which will be held in Rome (Italy) from July 24-27. The main purpose of this big gathering is to give thanks to God for the strong faith of Vietnamese Catholics overseas. It will also offer an great opportunity to promote evangelization in the new millenium as Pope John Paul II has desired. So, although you cannot afford to go to Rome on this significant event, please keep those who will attend the Congress, including Fr. Paul Nguyễn Tất Hải, C.Ss.R., the Editor-in-Chief, in your prayer.

As we’re entering July, I hope you’ll have a great summer, with fun things to do, nice places to go to and interesting people to meet. In case if you have not planned anything for this summer, I’ve posted some suggestions. I know that some of these ideas might catch your attention and some might not. That’s okay, just pick the ones that suit you, try them and see how it turns out. You never know, these suggestions might help you make the most out of your summer break this year.

My only wish is that: for which ever activities you pick, you should pay attention to where God is present and at work during such activity. We all know that God is every where, so of course He’s going to be with you when you do whatever it is that you do. Just be attentive to God’s loving presence with you as you enjoy your activities. If you’re "in-tuned" to Him, you’ll find Him! God can be as subtle as the cool breeze that brushes against your cheek when you walk along the sandy beach. He can also be as powerful as the hot sun shining its rays on your head as you stand in line waiting for that thrilling roller coaster ride. And, God can be as quiet and gentle as the sparkle you see in your grandparents’ eyes when you come over for a visit. Last but not least, God’s Presence and love can certainly be seen on the tired and rugged hands of your father who’s about to hand you some money so you can spend on the movie with your buddies.

Dear friends, what I’m trying to say is that you will enjoy your summer activities much better if you recognize how near God is to you. Through the beauties of nature, through your friends, through the love you get from your family, you can recognize God’s Presence! Even through the most unpleasant conditions you face, God is there with you! Look for Him, and you’ll see things in a much better perspective. You’ll be happier and your joy will last if you notice how God’s Love surrounds you and sustains you every step of the way. So, have a great summer my friends, and enjoy being in God’s Presence!

Your friend in Christ,

Tess Nguyen

*smile, God is with you!

BISHOP DOMINIC MAI THANH LƯƠNG
1^ST VIETNAMSE-BORN AMERICAN BISHOP

On April 25, 2003, Pope John Paul II has named Monsignor Dominic Mai Thanh Lương as auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Orange in California. His Ordination Mass was celebrated on June 11, 2003 at St. Columban Church in the City of Garden Grove, California, by Bishop Tod Brown of Orange. Then, Bishop Dominic became the first Vietnamese-born American bishop and the second Asian American bishop. In January, Msgr. Ignatius C. Wang, of Chinese descent, was ordained as an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of San Francisco.

Born in Ninh Cường, Diocese of Bùi Chu (North Vietnam) on December 20, 1940 in a family of 11 children, Bishop Dominic spend most his life in the United States, where he first came in 1958 at the age of 18. He was sent to the U.S. for study to become a priest by the then-Bishop of Bùi Chu Joseph Marie Phạm Ngọc Chi. In America, he studied philosophy and theology in diocesan seminaries in the state of New York. He also earned his Masters Degrees in Biology and Psychology.

On May 21, 1966, Dominic was ordained a priest in Buffalo, New York State, for the Diocese of Ðà Nẵng (South Việt Nam), but the worsening war there prevented his return. The newly ordained priest was assigned as associate pastor at St. Louis Church in the Diocese of Buffalo, New York, and served as a counselor for university students. In 1975, Father Dominic became actively involved on the national level in the pastoral care of the thousands of Vietnamese refugees who had escaped their country by boat before the fall of Saigon.

He arrived in New Orleans in 1976 at the invation of former Archbishop Philip Hannan, who asked him to care for the 12,000 refugees who had arrived in south Louisiana. In 1978, he became the Director of the Vietnamese Pastoral Center in New Orleans. In 1983, Fr. Dominic was assigned Pastor at the Mary, Queen of Vietnam, Church in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. In 1989, he was named liaison between U.S. Catholic Bishops and Vietnamese Catholics.

In his words of to the 1,200 gathered for his Mass of Ordination, Bishop Dominic said: "We have together recorded a historic moment in the history of the universal Church, a new page in the history of the Church of America and a new chapter for the Church of the Orange Diocese." Indeed, Bishop Dominic’s ordination embodies the tremendous contribution of Vietnamese Catholics to the Church in America. Vietnamese Americans represent fewer than 1% of the estimated 64 million U.S. Catholics. Since 1975, however, about 350 Vietnamese American priests have been ordained, the largest contribution to the vocation of any ethnic group.

The personal seal of Bishop Dominic is designed to reflect his Vietnamese heritage which includes palm frond and a map of Vietnam on a bamboo cross honoring Vietnamese martyrs, a monogram of the Blessed Virgin Mary, patroness of Vietnam, under the title of Our Lady of Lavang, a bronze drum representing the ancient culture of Vietnam, an eagle as the symbol of the United States which has welcomed about 1.5 million Vietnamese immigrants. His motto is taken from the Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians, "You are strangers and aliens no longer" (Eph 2:19), which reminds Christians about Jesus’ death and resurrection healing sinners’ breach from God. But Bishop Dominic’s motto also carries his deep desire to bring unity among refugees and immigrants in America.

As Auxiliary Bishop of Orange, Bishop Dominic Mai Thanh Lương will assist Bishop Tod Brown to serve about 1 million Catholics. However, he is also expected to play a leadership role among nearly 40,000 Vietnamese Catholics, helping them to find a common voice for their faith and culture.